Posts Tagged ‘St. Augustine’

Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns (FBBI) has lots of heart give-a-way. FBBI would love to award a two-night stay for two, including a complimentary Breakfast for two, at a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn to someone who you feel is deserving. Nominate someone who is near and dear to you and tell us their story. Tell us why this person is deserving and special to you in 200 words or less. When you feel a heart connection, it’s a very special thing.

Submit to: info@florida-inns.com
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Let FBBI share your story
FBBI will choose the most heartwarming story winner.Deadline for submission: September 24, 2014
Award Date: September 28, 2014 in Orlando, FL at the FBBI Conference
Winner will be chosen and disclosed during Conference Banquet
Email submissions only: info@florida-Inns
Reference: FBBI Cares

Fine Print:
No Cash Value – not redeemable for cash
Two Night Stay must be consecutive two nights
Based on Availability at participating Inns
Not all Member Inns are participating. See list on website for participating Inns.
Participating Member Inns: Casa Grandview, West Palm Beach, FlGrandview Gardens, West Palm Beach, Florida; Victorian House, St. Augustine;Hampton Lake Bed and Breakfast, Starke, FL
Cannot be used during Black Out periods and Special Events according to participating Inns.
Must guarantee reservation with credit card and give date of award.
Must disclose to participating Inn when making reservation.
Must be used within 1 year from date of award.
All policies of participating Inn apply.
Valid ID required at Check In
Award cannot be transferred to another.

Florida’s Northeast Region

Northeast Florida, known as “Florida’s First Coast,” combines America’s oldest European settlement with one of the nation’s leading modern seaports, with a collection of small up-and-coming towns adding to the local color and natural beauty. Encompassing Atlantic beaches as far south as Flagler County and inland rural communities west to Palatka, the region offers travelers timeless adventures through mysterious 17th-century forts, vast prairie lands and wide beaches lined with sand dunes.

Off the state’s northeastern-most corner, Amelia Island provides a refreshing change of pace. On this small island, families will find blocks of old mansions, miles of beaches and lots of seafood. Fernandina Beach, the island’s only town, showcases more than 50 blocks of restored Victorian neighborhoods, including a collection of grand, sherbet-hued mansions, called the “Silk Stocking District.”

One of the nation’s fastest growing and most modern cities, Jacksonville is situated along the banks of the state’s longest river, the St. Johns River.

To the south lies the oldest, continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States — St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, 42 years before the English colonized Jamestown, St. Augustine has diligently preserved much of its rich heritage along a 144-block downtown historic district that offers a history lesson with proven kid appeal. Regardless of their age, visitors are bound to feel young again as they stroll narrow brick streets to discover the Oldest House, Oldest Jail, Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and Oldest Store Museum.

Southwest of St. Augustine, along the banks of the St. Johns River, Putnam County offers quiet, unassuming historic sites which tell the story of Putnam County, including the impact of the Civil War, the advent of steamboat travel along the St. Johns River and the gilded age of the Flagler Railroad.

On Monday, April 29, 2013, Bonnie Gross and Bob Rountree of The Guardian chose from historic guesthouses with old Florida charm to luxurious inns and comfy lakeside cabins in the Sunshine State and chose some interesting places to stay. This is what they had to say.

This elegant B&B overlooks the Halifax River and takes its name from the dolphins that patrol the waters off its dock. The expansive great room downstairs includes a bar, sitting area and breakfast room, where a full Southern-style breakfast is served at weekends. You are within walking distance of restaurants and shops in the historic downtown area and a short distance from beaches , surf shops and Flagler Avenue’s beachside galleries and eateries. • +1 386 410 4868, blackdolphininn.com. Doubles from $129 B&B

This charming inn lies in the heart of Venice’s historic district, developed as a planned community as an investment by a railroad union during the 1920s. At the time, railroads were rapidly spreading across Florida for transport of winter crops to the populous north and to bring northerners south for respite from Yankee winters. The stucco exterior and tasteful landscaping blend well in this neighborhood of stately homes and wide boulevards. All nine rooms are comfortable and plush, and the reading room serves as a gathering place for guests to play games. There’s a 24-hour snack cupboard to supplement the gourmet breakfasts. You are a pleasant walk from white-sand beaches and be sure to try the seafood at the nearby Crow’s Nest, overlooking the inlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Just don’t try to book for the summer months: t • +1 941 488 2702, horseandchaiseinn.com. Doubles from $119 B&B. Closed from July until 15 October

St Augustine was founded in 1565 by a Spanish admiral, making it the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the US. It’s full of historic B&Bs, and the Victorian House, a well-preserved 1895 building, epitomizes all the things that are enchanting about them. A key asset is its excellent location, on a quiet street in the historic district, where horse-drawn carriage tours clip-clop past over the cobblestones. Another is the breakfasts, a cut above the usual. • +1 904 824 5214, victorianhousebnb.com. Doubles from $119 B&B

Visiting St. Augustine, Florida is always a treat and especially if you love learning while you travel. This historic city has lots of offer and one of my favorite places to see is St. Augustine’s Fountain of Youth which is an Archaeological Park and the original site of St. Augustine. Visitors can learn about Spanish explorers who risked everything to journey to the New World and how the Spanish arrived in 1565 and established the first and oldest settlement. Learn the history of Ponce de Leon’s search and his Spanish claim for Florida in 1513. Drink from the legendary Fountain of Youth spring that has flowed under this site for as long as anyone can remember. Explore the Timucuan native Indian village that natives inhabited for almost 3000 years. Gather in the Village of Seloy to experience how Timucuas lived, hunted, ate and thrived. Hear the stories of long ago and connect past to present. See the stars at the planetarium where stars appear as they did in 1513 and journey under the historic night sky. Imagine a two story high glowing globe that traces the routes of Spanish exploration in the New World. How did Explorers find their way across the ocean so long ago? Imagine a time long ago when Pedro Menendez built his first fort right here. Think about Native Timucua Indians shaping pottery on this very same spot. Archaeology helps us to rebuild the past. Visit the first Christian Indian burials in North America with Mission Period interments or see the Timucua Indian hut foundations and relics. There is archaeological evidence that Pedro Menendez’s colony occupied the site after landing in 1565.

The Fountain of Youth Park has been the site of many exciting archaeological discoveries of national historic importance. New archaeological excavations are intermittently underway with funding provided by the State of Florida, the Fountain of Youth, and Flagler College. The project, directed by Dr. Kathleen Deagan, renowned Florida archaeologist from the University of Florida, is in search for the foundation of the first wooden fort built by the Spanish and the first Catholic mission constructed on the site.

St. Augustine is known as the city of Bed and Breakfast Inns. What a great way to end the day and enjoy all the great restaurants inside the old city where you can walk and enjoy shopping or the night life. St. George Street is known for it’s great shops. I have spent many days enjoying the shopping. Florida Bed and Breakfast Inns offers over 12 Bed and Breakfast Inns to choose from. They are each unique and inviting. Plan your next visit to St. Augustine with a Florida Bed and Breakfast Inn. The Innkeepers are your own personal concierge for helping you plan your trip.

Best of the Road was born from a collaboration between Rand McNally and USA TODAY. The aim is to find and share the most interesting stops along the country’s highways and byways. Reviewers share their favorite small towns, pit stops, restaurants, and other points of interest.

Florida makes the list again and again, with towns, cities, and many fun spots. The Best of the Road is just one more reason to plan a Florida Vacation. We hope you’ll stay in Florida Bed and Breakfasts when you do.

Spring is a wonderful time to travel to Florida. The temperature tends to hover in the low 80s throughout the state, and humidity is low.

It’s a great time to visit the cities of Miami, Tampa, St. Augustine, Tallahasse, Orlando, and Naples. Many Florida Bed and Breakfasts are located in walkable, historic districts.

Explore the neighborhoods of Miami, many of which offer art strolls; galleries in the Bird Road Art District host an art walk from 7-10 p.m. the third Saturday of each month; There is an arts and culture street festival and gallery stroll every Friday evening in Little Havana; and galleries and showrooms in the Miami Design District stays open late the second Saturday of each month.

Sunset on Treasure Island.

Lounge on the fabulous beaches around St. Petersburg (St. Pete) by day: Treasure Island, Gulfport Beach Park, and the scenic Fred Howard Park. Then take advantage of the many restaurants, wine bars, and clubs in the city. Downtown St. Pete has lots of good places to dine while enjoying views of the waterfront: Ceviche has a romantic atmosphere and outstanding Tapas; Hurricane Seafood Restaurant features amazing sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico and fabulous crabcakes and grouper sandwiches.

Find a Florida Bed and Breakfast in the middle of a bustling, colorful town like Key West or a town steeped in history like St. Augustine. Explore the town on foot as much as you can, seeking interesting neighborhoods often overlooked by tourists. Ask a local (the innkeeper) where to go, and have fun exploring Florida this spring.

Summer lives on in Florida. Indeed, Florida is one of the only places in the country right now that feels summery. We’ve had our cold snap, thank you, and now we’re all relishing the warmer temperatures.

This could be you, happy in Florida.

You want to be warm, too. You know you do. Cold weather is lovely, especially when it comes with snow and crackling fires. But at present, much of the country is without snow. If you’re there, and not here, you know that chilly temperatures without snow get on a person’s nerves. The solution? Find a Florida Bed and Breakfast to your liking, grab your sweetie, and come on down.

Florida has so much to offer. You can wiggle your toes in sun-kissed sand. You can paddle along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, and stroll through the historic town of St. Augustine. You can charter a boat and fish off of Key West, or search for shells on Sanibel Island. Float side by side on the surf. Swim laps in an outdoor pool. Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner out-of-doors. Wear summer dresses and shorts. Leave your sweaters at home.

At first the Old Spanish Trail connected Florida to New Orleans, but it grew into a southern transcontinental trail linking St. Augustine Florida to San Diego, California.

The Old City Gates of St. Augustine today.

Travelers who enjoy blending road trips with history will find the Old Spanish Trail irresistible. Begin where it all began, at the Zero Stone Marker. Explore the eastern edge of the OST while staying in a St. Augustine FL Bed and Breakfast. The Zero Stone Marker may have been moved a couple of times, but it’s impressive nonetheless. (more…)

Christmas is a wonderful time to visit Florida, be it in Amelia Island or Key West, Tallahassee or Naples. Florida Bed and Breakfasts across the state welcome old friends and new during this special time.

Disney's Train Station, dressed for Christmas

There is snow in Orlando (only in designated areas of course) and a holiday light show at the Miami Seaquarium. There are walking and garden tours in historic Naples, and a St. Nick Open Golf Tournament in St. Petersburg. Historic St. Augustine is lit by more than two million tiny white lights each night – the perfect place to stroll with the person you love.

Christmas means beach parties in Key West and dancing in Miami. It means karaoke and theatre performances in Sarasota. Christmas means tours of festively decorated holiday homes in Ormond Beach and Deland, and ice skating with Santa in Daytona.

If you’re looking for something different this holiday season, head to Florida for Christmas. Instead of plowing the driveway on Christmas day, take a long walk on the beach. Instead of skiing, swim. Give yourself a gift this year: vacation in a Bed and Breakfast Florida.